John O'Gallagher

ebecca Nash presents her new project Redefining Element 78, a brand-new work by the British pianist-composer; commissioned by Bristol Jazz Festival and released on Whirlwind Recordings. “At the vanguard of innovative and compelling new music” (Downbeat Magazine) Firmly established as one of the most exciting contemporary jazz composers/band leaders in the UK, pianist Rebecca Nash is now garnering an international reputation for her distinctive sound, full of artistry and heart. Redefining Element 78 is the follow-up album to Rebecca’s highly-celebrated debut release, the genre-defying Peaceful King. Her music blends bold melodies with electronic elements and grooves, placing them within ethereal harmonic soundscapes. “Powerful jazz making without a safety net” (Guardian) The suite is a collection of eight pieces, centred around precious metals - inspired by the periodic table’s Platinum metal family; Platinum, Osmium, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, and Palladium. "A substantial artistic achievement; the balance between formal composition and improvisational flair is excellent" (The JazzMann). The music's excitement comes from a creative tension between detailed through-composed sections and large swathes of free improvisation. A deep sense of trust and connection between the musicians, combined with expansive, other-worldly compositions leads to spontaneous, daring, and unpredictable music making. “One of the freshest, most creative, talents in the UK at this present time” (UK Vibe) Rebecca Nash piano Dee Byrne alto saxophone Nick Walters guitar Nick Malcolm trumpet Paul Michael bass Matt Fisher drums And special guest appearance from legendary New York alto saxophonist, John O’Gallagher, who features on the album. Opening set from Rebecca Wing; a saxophonist, vocalist, and composer from London, now based in Birmingham. She will play with Josh Vadiveloo on upright bass, Leo Morland on guitar, Jonno Gaze on drums and Nick Manz on piano. She is currently in her fourth year studying jazz at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she is mentored by world-class musicians such as Sara Colman, Mike Williams, and Jean Toussaint. From an early age Rebecca has been part of the World Heart Beat community, her musical interests and talents nurtured by Sahana Gero MBE. Later she went on to join the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy where she started to go deeper into the tradition under the guidance of jazz virtuosos Julian Joseph, Tony Kofi, and Byron Wallen. Since starting at the Conservatoire Rebecca has been an active member of the Birmingham scene, hosting jams and playing gigs in and around Birmingham with her own quartet, playing gigs in venues such as The Spotted Dog, Symphony Hall, and The Warehouse Cafe. She plays and sings arrangements and originals that complement her bold and textural style, drawing inspiration from players such as Myron Walden and Wayne Shorter. This show is part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2023